Vasabha of Anuradhapura

Vasabha (Sinhala: ) was a monarch of the Anuradhapura period of Sri Lanka. He is considered to be the pioneer of the construction of large-scale irrigation works and underground waterways in Sri Lanka to support paddy cultivation. 11 reservoirs and 12 canals were constructed during his reign. He also constructed several Buddhist temples in addition to renovating already existing ones. Vasabha started a new dynasty in the history of Sri Lankan monarchs, having seized the throne after killing Subharaja, the then ruler of Anuradhapura.

Early life and kingship Prince Vasabha, born to a family of a clan named Lambakanna, spent his childhood in a village in the North of the country working for his uncle who was a general in the king's army. The ruler of the country at this time was Subharaja, who was informed by soothsayers that one named Vasabha would defeat him and become king. To avoid this, Subharaja ordered everyone in the country bearing that name to be killed. Vasabha's uncle tried to take him to the king under the pretext of taking him to join the king's service. However, he was saved by Pottha, the wife of his uncle, who purposely put no lime and chalk with the Betel leaves that he gave him, and when the guards escorting him to the king told him to bring it, she told him about the king's decision. He went into hiding following this event and gathered an army in secret.

Having eventually raised an army, Vasabha led a rebellion against the king, and subsequently seized the throne in 67 AD after killing Subharaja and his uncle. To thank his aunt, king Vasabha married her, as they were about the same age. He ruled for 44 years, until his death in 111 AD.

Upon learning from a soothsayer that he had only twelve years left to live, Vasabha became a devout Buddhist and performed many meritorious acts in an effort to extend his life. He constructed several Buddhist temples, and renovated others. Among his constructions are the vatadage at Thuparama and some additions to the Mahavihara. Additional inscriptions found at Situlpawwa and Tissamaharama in the south, Batticaloa in the east, and Kurunegala in the west demonstrate that King Vasabha's authority extended across the entire island.